How to cite images

To cite images, you generally need to include the creator’s name, the title of the image, the date it was created, the medium (e.g., photograph, painting), and the source (e.g., website, book). Depending on the citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), the format may vary slightly, so it’s essential to consult the specific guidelines for your required style.

1. Creator’s Name: Begin with the name of the person or organization who created the image. If there is no identifiable creator, you may begin the citation with the title of the image.

2. Title of the Image: Enclose the title of the image in quotation marks, followed by a period. If the image has no title, provide a brief description instead.

3. Date Created: Include the year when the image was created. If the exact date isn’t available, you can provide the estimated date.

4. Medium: Specify the format of the image, such as “photograph,” “digital illustration,” “painting,” etc.

5. Source: Provide the location where the image can be found, whether it’s a website, a book, or an art museum collection. For online images, include the URL.

Different citation styles may have unique requirements for formatting citations. For instance, in MLA format, a typical citation might look like this:

Smith, John. “Sunset Over the Lake.” 2020, photograph, www.example.com/sunset.

In APA format, it would appear as:

Smith, J. (2020). *Sunset over the lake* [Photograph]. www.example.com/sunset.

For Chicago style, it may take this format:

Smith, John. “Sunset Over the Lake.” 2020. Photograph. www.example.com/sunset.

Remember always to check the specific guidelines for the citation style you’re using to ensure your citations are accurate and complete. Properly citing images not only acknowledges the hard work of creators but also bolsters your credibility as a writer and researcher.